Rep. Paradee files intent to replace retiring Sen. Brian Bushweller

State Rep. Trey Paradee announced Friday he will run for the Dover area State Senate seat being vacated by retiring Brian Bushweller.

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Paradee has spent five years in the state’s House of Representatives. The Democrat currently represents District 29, covering Smyrna and Western Kent County. His term runs through next year, but he said this is an opportunity to serve more people in Kent County and play a bigger role in the city of Dover’s future.

“I’ve lived in this area my entire life, I’ve raised a family here, I’ve built a business here, I’m very much a part of the community," he said. "And you know I love this area and I want to do what’s right for Dover and Camden and Wyoming.”

Democrats currently hold a one seat majority in the Senate. Paradee said he’s confident he can defeat a Republican challenger, if one decides to run.

Paradee said he want to work on revamping the tax code, changing criminal sentencing laws and growing the state’s economy.